THE England rugby team will be rubbing shoulders with more than just the Royal family when they collect their honours - if a woman from Brean strikes lucky.

Joan Jackman, 77, of South Road, has received an MBE in the New Year's Honours List and hopes she will be invited along to Buckingham Palace to receive the award on the same day as the 15 strapping sporting heroes.

Mrs Jackman, was singled out for an honour in recognition of her services to the communities of Brean and Berrow and also to British gymnastics.

She said: "I was told I would appear in the New Year Honour's List and I received the confirmation on Christmas Eve."

See this week's Weekly News for the full story.